To me at least, Isis is more of a heavy, stoner-friendly, post-rock band. The aggression that 'metal' implies never really comes into play. For that reason, Isis is always calming, even during heavy sections. Neurosis licks my dirty asshole; I don't respect the comparison between the two bands.

well yeah but I was more implying that Souls at Zero is closer to traditional metal than most of their catalog, and if that's your starting point then it might be most rewarding/interesting to go chronologically and hear their progression.

I agree that Through Silver in Blood is their best and probably the best overall representation of their sound.

Fune - yes I did note that, but wanted to make the post anyway as this get stuff for free mentality is so annoying. He still would get them for free to check them out and if you can get something for free then you are more likely to get all you can rather than all you really want or need.

@ 13themount: I actually own all Neurosis albums (including EP) and four albums by Isis on CD's. Does it mean anything? I wouldn't recommend him buying them, though, since he isn't sure if he likes these bands.

idk about that, at least coming from the perspective of never actually listening to either one before. they're compared pretty frequently around the internet (well, mainly in terms of early ISIS ripping off Neurosis, but still).